Linji Lu
Kill the Buddha
If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him.
Linji Yixuan
·
Hebei, China
·
c. 850
Commentary by Linji
If you want to have the correct view of Zen, do not let yourselves be deceived by others. Whatever you encounter, either within or without, kill it immediately. If you meet a Buddha, kill the Buddha.
Commentary by Traditional
This is a warning against attachment to concepts, even holy ones. To cling to an external image of 'the Buddha' is an obstacle to realizing your own innate Buddha-nature.
Verse by Traditional
To cut through the holy and the mundane alike, The sharp blade leaves no trace behind. When the external illusion is totally destroyed, The real home appears right before your eyes.